A speech by White House science adviser Michael Kratsios has gone viral after he said that U.S. technologies allow the country to “manipulate time and space”—a phrase many interpreted literally despite its likely metaphorical intent.

Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, made the statement during a keynote address at the Endless Frontiers Retreat in Austin, Texas, on April 14.

Speaking on the U.S. role in global innovation, Kratsios said, “Our technologies permit us to manipulate time and space. They leave distance annihilated, cause things to grow, and improve productivity.”

The comment, part of prepared remarks published on the White House website, quickly went viral across social media, where users questioned whether the statement referred to actual advances in space-time manipulation.

One commenter wrote, “Please elaborate on manipulating time and space,” while another post that simply read “WTF?!” received millions of views.

Although the White House has not issued a clarification, the broader context of the speech suggests Kratsios was speaking metaphorically—describing the transformative power of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, aerospace systems and productivity tools.

He also highlighted a vision of technological advancement unencumbered by regulation.

“We have weighed down our builders and innovators,” Kratsios said. “But we are capable of so much more.” The address comes amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to frame the coming years as a “Golden Age of American Innovation” in the lead-up to the country’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

Kratsios, who was confirmed recently as chief science official, emphasised the importance of reducing bureaucratic barriers to innovation. His remarks underscored a push to increase U.S. leadership in technological development.